I was invited tonight to a reception for Larry Grant, candidate for Congressman of Idaho's first district. It was a beautiful evening here in Northern Idaho and the reception was held on the deck of a lovely home of a Grant supporter. I estimate about 30 or 40 people showed up.
One of the first people I met was Mrs. Grant, the candidate's wife. She seemed like a very nice person. She said they were gearing up for the big push after Labor Day.
I met several candidates for state representative and state senator. It was a very interesting and friendly crowd of supporters who were attending.
Larry Grant was introduced and gave us a short autobiography of his life. He listed his endorsements, former governor Cecil Andrus (who is advising his campaign), the widow of former governor, Frank Church, and several unions, including a teacher's union.
He quoted several people on their opinions of his opponent, Bill Sali. Sheila Sorenson, who lost to Sali in the primary said he was dishonest and that she would not vote for him. Another fellow Republican said that Sali was an idiot and told the press they could quote him on that. Sali's fellow legislators considered throwing from a 3rd story window in the Capitol, but were afraid he would live (a state senator confirmed that story).
Mr. Grant said that only one person on the campaign trail has asked him why he was a Democrat (rather than asking why he wasn't a Republican). He gave three reasons. First, he was a Democrat by heritage. His family moved to Idaho from Nebraska during the Dust Bowl and knew tough times and were Democrats. Second, he was a Democrat by example. He cited the leadership of John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, and former Idaho governor, Frank Church. Third, he was a Democrat by philosophy. He believes that government should supply a safety net for it's citizens in difficult times.
He talked about how after the fall of the Soviet Union, the US was the greatest nation on earth. Current policies and actions have changed our standing in the world. He wants us to return to being the greatest nation on earth.
He took questions from the audience. One was on the minimum wage. Mr. Grant said that in Idaho, wages are so low that illegal immigrants leave the state when they find out what employers are paying. He proposed cutting the wages of Congress by 10% to help balance the budget. A teacher asked of his stand on education. He said they should start calling No Child Left Behind by what is really is: The "I Hate Public Education" Bill.
I got a chance to talk to Mr. Grant briefly after his remarks. He told me that Dick Cheney was coming to town next week to campaign for his rival; just in case you had any question about Bill Sali's politics, there is your answer. I told Mr. Grant that I planned on writing a diary on the reception and he said he would look for it. He enjoyed the article that kos wrote about the race a few weeks ago.
I also got to meet a new precinct captain. He's a vet just back from Iraq. I also met the campaign director for this county. We talked about Larry Grant and I told her I liked him because he seemed like a real person. She said he is not a polished politician, but some one who's had a life and now wants to serve his district. We talked about how that was what the framers of the Constitution wanted, not career politicians who walk away with a huge federal pension, even if they are indicted.
I enjoyed the reception and I will volunteer at the phone bank and make another campaign contribtion before November. You can also contribute at www.grantforcongress.com.